NRC ORDER – ORDER

On April 26, 2010, a Confirmatory Order (effective immediately) was issued to AREVA NP – Richland, Inc. (AREVA) to formalize commitments reached as part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mediation session involving a violation of a facility procedure by an employee who willfully defeated the function of an Item Relied On For Safety (IROFS) on April 21, 2009. Specifically, an electronic eye sensor known as the vacuum wand interlock was deliberately bypassed by an employee and made to work by using tape. As a result, IROFS 1111 was not available and reliable as required by 10 CFR 70.61(e). Although the vacuum wand interlock was disabled, sufficient system IROFS remained in service to perform the intended safety function for identified accident scenarios and protect the health and safety of the public. As part of the settlement agreement, AREVA agreed to take a number of actions in addition to those already completed. These additional actions include: (1) incorporating lessons learned from this incident, including enhanced safety conscious work environment (SCWE) training, into General Employee training for new employees and annual refresher training for all Richland employees; (2) implementing a management observation program for the purpose of reinforcing task performance standards and work practices; (3) performing a survey to determine the results of efforts to increase supervisor availability in the work area; and (4) developing a presentation on the incident and lessons learned with regard to work practices for a future industry forum. In recognition of these actions, the NRC agreed to refrain from proposing a civil penalty and issuing a Notice of Violation or other enforcement action.